Small Menaion – October

1 OCTOBER

+ Feast Of The Protection Of The Most Holy Mother Of God+ Holy Apostle Ananius Of The Seventy+ St Romanus The Melodist

Troparion of the Protection, Tone 4.Most holy Mother of God, today we Orthodox joyfully celebrate thy coming among us. As we gaze at thy icon we cry with compunction: Shelter us under thy protection, deliver us from evil, and pray thy Son Christ our God to save our souls.

Troparion of St Romanus the Melodist, Tone 4.Thou didst gladden Christ’s Church by thy melodies like an inspired heavenly trumpet. For thou wast enlightened by the Mother of God and didst shine on the world as God’s poet. We lovingly honour thee, O righteous Romanus.

Kontakion of the Protection, Tone 3.Today the Virgin is standing before us in the Church praying for us with the choirs of Saints. Angels worship with Hierarchs, Apostles rejoice with Prophets, for the Mother of God intercedes with the Eternal God for us.

Kontakion of the Apostle Ananius, Tone 2.O most fervent intercessor and swift hearer of those who pray to thee, O Ananius, receive our prayer and implore Christ the only Friend of mankind to save those who venerate thee.

Kontakion of St Romanus the Melodist, Tone 8.From thy childhood divine virtues and gifts of the Spirit were bestowed on thee, O wise Romanus. Thou wast a precious adornment of the Church with thy beautiful chanting, O blessed one. We entreat thee to grant us thy divine gift that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, O most blessed Father, comeliness of the Church.

2 OCTOBER

+ Holy Hieromartry Cyprian

Troparion, Tone 3.Thou didst abandon ungodly darkness and become a light of the truth. Thou wast illustrious as a pastor and wast glorified in contest. O righteous Father Cyprian together with godly Justina pray to God the Creator for us.

Kontakion, Tone 1.Thou didst renounce magic for the knowledge of God and become a wise healer for the world. Together with Justina thou dost cure those who honour thee: with her pray to Christ our God the Lover of mankind that He may save our souls.

3 OCTOBER

+ Holy Hieromartyr Dionysius The Areopagite

Troparion, Tone 4.O holy Hieromartyr Dionysius, thou wast fully instructed, sober in action, with a good conscience as befits a priest. Thou didst draw Mysteries from the Vessel of Grace and having kept the Faith thou didst complete thy course as he did. Intercede with Christ our God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion, Tone 8.When in spirit thou didst pass through the heavenly gates as a disciple of him who attained to the third heaven, thou wast enriched with ineffable knowledge and didst enlighten those in darkness of ignorance. Therefore we cry: Rejoice, O Father Dionysius.

4 OCTOBER

+ Holy Hieromartyr Hierotheus Of Athens

Troparion, Tone 1.All we faithful praise Hierotheus the disciple of Paul. He is the world’s teacher, Hierarch of Athens, and a preacher of the Faith, revealing Christ’s Mysteries and pouring forth streams of godly doctrine. His life was well-pleasing to God Who is greatly merciful.

Kontakion, Tone 8.Hierotheus Bishop of Athens, we honour thee, for thou hast taught us ineffable Mysteries and art an inspired hymn writer. Intercede that we may be delivered from our sins and so may cry: Rejoice, O wise and heavenly Father.

5 OCTOBER

Troparion of the Five Hierarchs, Tone 4.Russian Hierarchs, guardians of Apostolic tradition, firm pillars, guides of Orthodoxy, Peter, Alexis, Jonas, Philip, and Hermogenes, pray to the Lord of all to grant peace to the world and great mercy to our souls.

Troparion of St Charitina, Tone 3.Strengthened by grace thou didst shame the force of ungodliness and contend beyond the powers of nature. Thou didst pour an unfailing stream of grace on those who cry to thee: O glorious Charitina, pray to Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion of the Five Hierarchs, Tone 3.You were holy as Hierarchs, you taught the people, and you were well-pleasing to God. He has glorified you with incorruption and miracles as disciples of the grace of God.

Kontakion of St Charitina, Tone 2.Thou didst arm thy soul with faith and knowledge and put the enemy to open shame. Thou didst stand before Christ in a robe dyed with thy blood and art now rejoicing with the Angels. Pray for us, Martyr Charitina.

6 OCTOBER

+ Holy And Glorious Apostle Thomas

Troparion of St Thomas, Tone 2.Thou wast a disciple of Christ and one of the Twelve, and by thy unbelief didst proclaim Christ’s Resurrection. By touch thou wast assured of His holy Passion, O glorious Apostle Thomas. Pray to Him to grant us peace and mercy.

7 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyrs Sergius And Bacchus

Troparion of Ss Sergius and Bacchus, Tone 1.In contest you were victorious warriors of the Trinity and an illustrious pair of martyrs, Sergius godly champion, and Bacchus noble athlete. In the radiancy of your glory you shelter those who cry: Glory to Him Who has strengthened you; glory to Him Who has crowned you; glory to Him Who through you works healings for all.

Kontakion of Ss Sergius and Bacchus, Tone 3.Let us gather and crown with praises the noble martyrs and brothers in the Faith, Sergius the warrior of the Trinity and Bacchus who with him in tortures persevered in praising Christ the Prizegiver and Creator of all.

8 OCTOBER

+ St Pelagia The Penitent

Troparion of St Pelagia, Tone 4.Like a fragrant rose growing from thorns thou wast shown to the Church through thy virtuous deeds and wast a source of joy for the faithful. Thou didst offer thy life in sweet-smelling fragrance to Him Who made thee wonderful. Entreat Him to save us from every passion, O righteous Pelagia.

Kontakion of St Pelagia, Tone 2.Thou didst wear out thy body with fasts, vigils and prayers and pray thy Creator for total forgiveness. This thou didst obtain and dost show us the way to repentance, O holy Mother Pelagia.

9 OCTOBER

+ Holy Apostle James, Son Of Alphaeus

Troparion, Tone 4.O holy Apostle James, thou didst receive the fiery grace of the Spirit and didst shine on the world like the morning star; thou didst dispel the pagan night of idols. Pray unceasingly for our souls.

Kontakion, Tone 4.James was a wonderful fisherman of the nations and companion of the Disciples and Apostles. He dispenses the wealth of his healings to the world and frees from distress those who honour him. With one voice we cry to him: Save us all by thy prayers, O Apostle.

10 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyrs Eulampius And His Sister Eulampia

Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 1.United by natural bonds you were of one soul and steadfast in contest, as divine kinsmen, Eulampius and Eulampia. Since you have received crowns of honour save us by your prayers.

Kontakion of the Martyrs, Tone 3.We honour the noble martyrs Eulampius and Eulampia, brother and sister according to the flesh. They have put to shame the wiles of the enemy through the power of Christ the Crucified.

11 OCTOBER

+ Holy Apostle Philip Of The Seventy, One Of The Seven Deacons+ Theophanes The Confessor Of Nicea, Bishop And Hymnographer

Troparion of the Apostle Philip, Tone 3.Filled with divine grace thou didst serve in the Church as a deacon of God the Word, O Apostle. By the working of miracles and signs from God thou didst enlighten the multitudes of Samaria. O blessed Philip, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Troparion of St Theophanes, Tone 5.Having attained to an angelic state thou didst sound forth as a golden trumpet of revelation, and nourish the chosen people with thy words. The chant of thy hymns is gladdening the Church for which thou didst struggle, O Theophanes.

Kontakion of the Apostle Philip, Tone 4.Inspired by the Holy Spirit thou didst enlighten the world with thy teachings and resplendent miracles, O Apostle Philip, initiate in sacred truths.

OCTOBER 11 – 17

Troparion, Tone 8.Glorious art Thou, O Christ our God Who hast established our holy fathers as stars on earth. Through them Thou dost guide us to the True Faith. O Most Merciful One, glory to Thee.

Kontakion, Tone 8.The preaching of the Apostles and the doctrine of the Fathers confirmed the one faith in the Church. In the garment of truth woven from theology on high she rightly divides and glorifies true piety.

Another Kontakion, Tone 2.The Son Who shone from the Father was ineffably born in two natures of a woman. We do not deny the image of His form but depict it piously and revere it. For this cause the Church, holding the true Faith, kisses the icon of Christ’s Incarnation.

12 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyrs Probus, Tarachus And Andronicus Of Tarsus In Cilicia

Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 5.The hosts of heaven were amazed at the triumph of these holy martyrs. For having fought the good fight in their mortal bodies, by the power of the Cross they conquered bodiless enemies. They now intercede with the Lord that He may save our souls.

Kontakion of the Martyrs, Tone 2.The soldiers of Christ, the holy martyrs Probus, Tarachus and Andronicus, have shown us the glory of the Trinity. They refuted the error of their persecutors by fighting bravely for the Faith.

13 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyrs Carpus, Papylus, Agathodorus, And Agathonica

Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 3.Throughout the course of your holy lives you were seen to be fellow heirs of Christ and by your contest you triumphed over the enemy. O wise Carpus, renowned Agathodorus, glorious Papylus, intercede with Christ our God to grant us the forgiveness of our sins.

Kontakion of the Martyrs, Tone 4.God has granted your bodies as precious treasure to those living on earth, a stream of healing dispelling sickness and pouring out grace on all. We fervently celebrate your festival, O holy and blessed Martyrs.

14 OCTOBER

Troparion of the Martyrs, Tone 4.Let us praise the fourfold company of Martyrs,Nazarius, Gervasius, Protasius and Celsus. For they preached the Trinity to all and by their contests dispelled idol worship. By their prayers, O Christ, have mercy on us all.

Troparion of St Paraskovia of Serbia, Tone 4.Thou didst choose a silent and solitary life and follow Christ thy Bridegroom. Thou didst take His easy yoke in thy youth and wast armed with the sign of the Cross. Thou didst contend against spiritual enemies with fasting, tears and labours, O glorious Paraskovia. Thou dost stand before Christ with the wise virgins: pray for us who venerate thy memory.

Kontakion of the Martyrs, Tone 2.You appeared as bright lights and illumine creation with the radiancy of miracles, O Martyrs, dispelling the darkness of disease. Intercede with Christ our God that He may grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion of St Paraskovia of Serbia, Tone 6.Let us all praise holy Paraskovia who intercedes for the afflicted. She despised earthly honours and received incorruption, and God has given her the grace of wonderworking.

15 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyr Lucian, Elder Of The Church In Antioch

Troparion, Tone 3.Radiant with the Spirit thou didst teach true knowledge and manifest the Faith; a trainer of martyrs, O Lucian, thou wast glorious in contest. Intercede with Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion, Tone 2.O Lucian, radiant star, we hymn thee, illustrious in asceticism and crowned with martyrdom. Intercede for us unceasingly.

16 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyr Longinus The Centurion Who Stood At The Foot Of The Cross

Troparion of St Longinus, Tone l.O Longinus, thou didst behold the King of Glory nailed to the Cross yet shining on those in darkness. Thou wast enlightened by His rays and didst become a martyr and dost save those who cry: Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

17 OCTOBER

+ Holy Prophet Hosea+ Holy Hieromartyr Andrew Of Crete

Troparion of the Prophet Hosea, Tone 3.Thou wast a mirror of the Comforter, O Prophet Hosea, and hast received the light of grace. Thou dost shine on the world with the knowledge of things to come. Intercede with Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Troparion of St Andrew, Tone 4.Thou wast trained in asceticism on the mountain and didst then destroy the hosts of evil spirits with the weapon of the Cross. Thou didst courageously destroy Copronymus with the sword of faith. As monk and martyr thou wast crowned by God, O righteous and glorious Andrew.

Kontakion of the Prophet Hosea, Tone 8.O Seer enlightened by God, thou wast found worthy of the gift of prophecy and didst proclaim the promise of grace. Thou art a dwelling-place of glory; save from all misfortune those who cry to thee: Rejoice, Hosea, vessel of prophecy.

Kontakion of St Andrew, Tone 3.The Church is celebrating the glorious feast of thine illustrious memory and is inviting all the faithful. She rejoices to hold the treasure of thy much-afflicted body, O Andrew, light of Orthodoxy.

18 OCTOBER

+ Holy Apostle And Evangelist Luke

Troparion of St Luke, Tone 3.Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke, intercede with our merciful God, that He may grant to our souls the forgiveness of our sins.

Kontakion of St Luke, Tone 2.Let us praise holy Luke, the star of the Church, herald of piety and proclaimer of mysteries; for the Word Who alone knows the secrets of hearts has chosen him with Paul as a teacher of the nations.

19 OCTOBER

+ Holy Prophet Joel+ Holy Martyr Varus

Troparion of the Prophet Joel, Tone 4.Thou wast revealed as a treasure of sacred virtues; God’s Prophet by the grace of the Spirit. Thou didst foretell the outpouring of the fountain of godliness from the House of the Lord for us who lovingly honour thee, O holy Prophet Joel.

Troparion of St Varus the Martyr, Tone 5.Thou didst follow in the steps of the martyrs and contend for the glory of Christ. Thou wast tied to a beam and restored by the Tree of Life, and thine intercessions gladden our souls.

Kontakion of the Prophet Joel, Tone 1.Thou didst behold God’s glory and receive knowledge of things to come. For the Holy Spirit was poured out on all flesh that believed on Him Who appeared on earth and made Thee wonderful, O holy Prophet Joel.

20 OCTOBER

Troparion of St Artemius, Tone 5.O victorious Artemius, thou wast a noble athlete. Now like a shining lamp thy miracles enlighten the world for the salvation of our souls.

Kontakion of St Artemius, Tone 2.Let us come together to praise Artemius, great among martyrs and rich bestower of miracles. He raised trophies of victory over the enemies and now intercedes with the Lord for us all.

21 OCTOBER

+ St Hilarion The Great

Troparion of St Hilarion, Tone 1.Illumined in mind by the light of abstinence, thou wast radiant with miracles, O Father Hilarion. Thou didst become a shining pillar of godliness and enlighten the of faithful who came to thee. Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

Kontakion of St Hilarion, Tone 3.We gather today and praise thee with hymns as a light of the spiritual sun. For thou didst illumine those in the darkness of ignorance and raise all to divine heights. And so we cry to thee: Rejoice, Hilarion, summit of ascetics.

22 OCTOBER

+ Kazan Icon Of The Mother Of God

Troparion of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Tone 4.O fervent intercessor, Mother of the Lord Most High, thou dost pray to thy Son Christ our God and savest all who seek thy protection. O Sovereign Lady and Queen, help and defend all of us who in trouble and trials, in pain and burdened with sins, stand in thy presence before thine icon, and who pray with compunction, contrition and tears and with unflagging hope in thee. Grant what is good for us, deliverance from evil, and save us all, O Virgin Mother of God, for thou art a divine protection to thy servants.

Kontakion of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Tone 8.O peoples, let us run to that quiet good haven, to the speedy helper, the warm salvation, to the Virgin’s protection. Let us speed to prayer and hasten to repentance. For the Mother of God pours out her mercy, anticipates needs and averts disasters for her patient and God-fearing servants.

23 OCTOBER

+ Holy Apostle James The Brother Of The Lord, First Bishop Of Jerusalem

Troparion, Tone 4.Thou hast received the Gospel as a disciple, thou art invincible as a martyr, and bold as the Lord’s brother, thou dost intercede as a hierarch. O righteous James, pray to Christ our God that He may save our souls.

Kontakion, Tone 4.God the Word, only-begotten of the Father, came to us in the last days. He has made thee first shepherd and teacher of Jerusalem and a steward of spiritual mysteries. we honour thee, O Apostle James.

24 OCTOBER

+ Icon Of The Mother Of God, “Joy Of All That Sorrow”+ Holy Martyr Arethas And His 4299 Fellow Martyrs

Troparion of the Icon “Joy of all that Sorrow” Tone 4Let us, sinful and humbled, now earnestly run to the Mother of God, and let us fall down in repentance, crying from the depths of our soul: O Lady, help, have compassion on us. Make haste, for we perish from the multitude of our sins. Turn not thy servants empty away, for we have thee as our only hope.

Another Troparion of the Icon “Joy of all that Sorrow”, Tone 2.Thou art the joy of all that sorrow and the protectoress of the oppressed, feeder of the hungry, consolation of travelers, haven for the tempest-tossed, visitation of the sick, protection and aid of the infirm, staff of old age, O all-pure Mother of the Most High God. Hasten, we pray, to save thy servants.

Troparion of St Arethas and his fellow Martyrs, Tone 1.Thou didst live piously and wast glorified in contest, and didst triumph over Christ’s enemies. Thou didst bring Him a company of martyrs, O blessed Arethas. Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

Kontakion of the Icon ”Joy of all that Sorrow”, Tone 6.We have no other help, we have no other hope, apart from thee, O Lady: help us. we hope in thee and in thee we glory. Let us not be confounded for we are thy servants.

Kontakion of St Arethas and his fellow Martyrs, Tone 4.The radiant feast of the victorious Martyrs comes today as an occasion of gladness. As we celebrate it we glorify the Lord on high.

25 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyrs Marcian The Church Reader And + Martyrius The Sub-Deacon

Troparion of Ss Marcian and Martyrius Tone 3In holy zeal you dispelled the error of Arius and proclaimed the Trinity in one essence. Holy Martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, unshaken bulwarks of Orthodoxy. Pray to Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.

Kontakion of Ss Marcian and Martyrius, Tone 4.You fought well from infancy, O wise Martyrs, and by preserving the Orthodox Faith inviolate you humbled the apostate Arius and followed your teacher Paul. Therefore with him you have found life, as champions of the Trinity.

26 OCTOBER

+ Holy And Great Martyr Demetrius Of Thessalonica

Troparion, Tone 3.O victorious Demetrius, thou wast a protection for the world and an invincible soldier of Christ. Thou didst inspire Nestor to humble Lyaios. Intercede with Christ our God to save us.

Kontakion, Tone 2.God has given thee invincible strength, O Demetrius, and has dyed the Church with thy blood and kept thy city unharmed, for thou art its foundation.

27 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyr Nestor Of Thessalonica

Troarion of St Nestor, Tone 5.As friend and companion of Demetrius thou wast an invincible athlete of godliness. By divine help thou didst conquer Lyaios, and in being slain became a holy sacrifice to Christ.

Kontakion of St Nestor, Tone 2.Thou hast won thy contest and inherited eternal glory, and didst become a soldier of Christ through the prayers of Demetrius. With him, O wise Nestor, unceasingly pray for us.

28 OCTOBER

Troparion, Tone 3.Bound together by natural bonds and clothed with the might of faith you walked the path of martyrdom with your seven children. O holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla, pray that those who honour your contest may receive forgiveness of their sins.

Kontakion, Tone 4.Today the memory of the Martyrs is bringing gladness to us all. Let us fervently ask them for healing, for they obtained this grace from the Spirit, to heal the infirmities and sickness of our souls.

29 OCTOBER

+ St Anastasia Of Rome, Virgin And Martyr+ Our Holy Father Abramius The Anchorite And His Niece Mary

Troparion of St Anastasia, Tone 4.O holy Virgin Anastasia, thou didst redden thy robe of purity with the blood of thy martyr’s contest. Thou dost illumine the world with the grace of healing and intercede with Christ our God for our souls.

Troparion of St Abramius and his Niece Mary, Tone 1.Thou didst abandon all earthly comforts, O Father Abramius; thou didst live righteously in hope of things to come and receive a sacred anointing. Initiated into divine mysteries thou dost enlighten those who cry: Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

Kontakion of St Anastasia, Tone 3.Purified by the streams of thy virginity and crowned by the blood of martyrdom, thou dost grant healing to those in sickness, and salvation to those who lovingly pray to thee. For Christ has given thee strength which flows to us as a stream of grace, O Virgin Martyr Anastasia.

Kontakion of St Abramius and his Niece Mary, Tone 3.Thou didst live on earth as an angel in the flesh and flourish as a well planted tree, watered by abstinence and tears, O Abramius, vessel of the Holy Spirit.

30 OCTOBER

+ Holy Martyrs Zenobius Bishop Of Aegea And His Sister Zenobia

Troparion, Tone 4.As brother and sister united in goodness you contested together, Zenobius and Zenobia. You received incorruptible crowns and unending glory, and shine forth with the grace of healing upon those in the world.

Kontakion, Tone 8.Let us sing praises to the brother and sister, witnesses of truth and preachers of piety who together received martyrs’ crowns, Holy Zenobius and Zenobia.

31 OCTOBER

Troparion of the Apostles, Tone 5.Let us acclaim Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus and Aristobulus as a six-stringed harp of the Spirit that sings of God’s marvelous gifts to mankind. As divine Apostles they pray for us.

Troparion of St Epimachus, Tone 1.O Epimachus, thou didst wrestle as Christ’s warrior and put the enemy to flight. Thou didst suffer many torments, and we honour thee as a companion of God the Word. Therefore we cry to thee: Glory to Him Who has strengthened thee; glory to Him Who has crowned thee; glory to Him Who through thee works healings for all.

Kontakion of the Apostles, Tone 8.Let us thankfully praise the wise Apostles Stachys, Apelles, Amplias, Urban, Narcissus and Aristobulus, those treasures of the Holy Spirit and rays of the Sun of glory, who were brought together by the grace of our God.

Kontakion of St Epimachus, Tone 3.O Epimachus, of thine own accord thou didst take up the martyr’s struggle. Thou didst cry to the lawless: I have come to fight for truth and to revile the graven images. Thou hast received a crown of righteousness.